GUILDERLAND  Carleta D. Chesnut, died on Saturday, March 8, 2008, in Guilderland, less than a mile from where she was born on Nov. 17, 1915 to Claude F. and Lucy E. Durfee at their home near Tawasentha Park. She was 92.
Mrs. Chesnut spent her growing years at her father’s farm in Guilderland, moving to the town of Carman for a short time, and then relocating again to rural Guilderland where she lived during the latter years of her life.

She lived in many places throughout her life including in California, Florida, and New York. She spent the previous 20 plus years in Florida, before recently moving back to New York with her late husband, Waldo Chesnut.

“Carleta was a born salesperson” her family wrote in a tribute, “and loved selling clothes, working at various dress shops throughout her working years. Her pride and joy was always her home, always fixing up each with an elegant touch and warmth. All were welcome in her home, and she had many friends, speaking daily with them up until the time of her passing.

“She was a loving and loyal Mother to her entire family and a true friend to many.”

The following poem was a favorite from her Son.

Mother

To one who bears the sweetest name
And adds a luster to the same.
Who shares my joys, who cheers when sad,
The greatest friend I ever had.
Long life to her, for there’s no other
Can take the place of my dear mother.

She is survived by her son, Dwight S. Sickler and his wife, Kathy, of Guilderland; and by her grandchildren, Deborah Beliveau of Guilderland, Matthew Sickler and his wife, Marcy, of Rotterdam, and Charlene Sanna and her husband, Andrew, of Boston, Mass.

She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Matthew and Mark Beliveau of Guilderland, Charles, Valerie, and Clayton Sickler of Rotterdam, her nephew Alton Durfee Jr.; her sister-in-law, Blanche Pratt; and her life-long friend, Winnie Tournier.

Her husbands, John Sickler, Jack Petersen, and Waldo Chesnut died before her as did her brother, Alton Durfee Sr., and nephew, Dennis Durfee.

A memorial and funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 15, at 11 a.m. at the Fredendall Funeral Home, 199 Main Street, Altamont. Interment will immediately follow at the Prospect Hill Cemetery in Guilderland.

Best friends: David A. Tomilson and his faithful canine companion, Manitõu.

David A. Tomilson, a landscaper and outdoorsman, died peacefully on Tuesday, March 11, 2008, in the comfort of his Schoharie home. He was 60.

Born in Newtonville, N.Y. on Nov. 29, 1947, he was the son of the late Arthur E. and Agnes Tomilson. He proudly served his country during Vietnam in the United States Army. He was honorably discharged in 1972.

He was a self employed landscaper for 30 years and, his family wrote in a tribute, “Dave truly loved the outdoors especially hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed digging for antiques with his brother, Jeff. He loved his best friend and faithful canine companion, Manitõu.”

He is survived by his sister, Lisa Longendyke, of Schoharie; and his brother, Jeffrey J. Longendyke, of East Berne; as well as four nieces and nephew.

His sister Mary Agnes Longendyke died before him.

Relatives and friends are invited and may call Thursday, March 13, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Road, Latham. Funeral services will be held immediately following at 11 a.m. with Deacon Helmut Neurohr officiating.

Interment with military honors will take place in Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville.